“We have repeatedly warned our customers about this scam and in most cases they become suspicious very quickly when someone attempts to take advantage of them,” said Mark S. Lynch, president and CEO of NYSEG. “We urge our customers to never let their guard down.”

The company offers the following tips to help keep account information secure:

- NYSEG will not call a customer for payment if an account is in good standing- NYSEG will never ask a customer to purchase a debit card to make a payment- Customers who need to make an urgent payment should do so by calling NYSEG directly at 1-800-600-2275- Customers who have any questions about a call they have received for an overdue payment are urged to contact NYSEG at 1-800-572-1111

If customers believe they have been scammed, they should immediately contact the Federal Trade Commission and their local police.